Fiat Eco-Drive Uses “Prius Effect”
Fiat USB Eco:Drive
Fiat announced their new eco:Drive system last fall at the Paris Motor Show. The eco:Drive system gives drivers feedback on how they drive and pointers on how they can improve their mileage.
The Toyota Prius has a similar system but it gives immediate feedback via an in-dash monitor. My Prius driving friends say that the amazing mileage they get driving their Pria (Priuses?) is in part due to the “Prius Effect” which comes from immediate feedback on how their driving is effecting their mileage.
Fiat requires drivers to install a flash drive and then download data onto their home computers. The driver then uses Fiat software to analyze their driving data and make suggestions.
From The Auto Channel:
Claudio Annicchiarico, Head of Digital Fiat UK. “I think our eco:Drive technology shows Fiat’s commitment to customers goes that extra mile and provides them with cutting edge technology which can help save money and have a direct impact on emissions.
“eco:Drive is the very latest in digital integrated technology. It’s an easy-to-use computer application that connects your car to your PC. It’s the first time that an automotive brand has launched an interactive technology that helps its customers improve their style of driving in order to help preserve the environment.”
Which would be very cool except the Eco:Drive is behind Toyota and their system doesn’t give immediate feedback.
Photo: AutoBlogGreen
